ABSTRACT

Since 2009 CNR-Ibimet has developed activities on climate effects on plant growth as curricula activities for primary schools in rural areas, whose principal aim was approaching the pupilsto the concepts of environmental and climatic factors that are necessary and influence plant growth. The activities were structured following the approach designed and promoted byCarboschools, an European project where scientists met school teachers and pupils to introduce and experiment carbon cycle and local and global impacts of climate change on theenvironment. Tools and instruments were provided to perform experiments and hands-on activities on the base of the major teaching in Carboschools experience: students’ interest inscience can be fostered by the application of experiments in school science. The aim of this work is to present the organization and structure of the activities performed in primary schoolsand the main outcomes. In the first part of the school year, traditional frontal lessons on meteorology and climatology, factors affecting plant growth and plant observation methods wereperformed with an extensive support of experiments and practical activities. In the second part, pupils monitored the growth and health of some plants to observe the reaction tometeorological conditions and particularly to temperature. Each classroom was provided by a maximum-minimum thermometer and phenological paper forms to describe plants accordingto a reference guide provided by the scientists. Finally they produced a diary where they described their work and their observations. In conclusion, the results of these activities showedthat learning through observation and inquiry stimulates pupils’ interest in Science and is an effective method to approach pupils to phytoclimatology and phenology.

BACKGROUND:

Teaching climate effects on

plant growth in primary schools of rural areasAuthors: Luciano Massetti, F.rancesca Ugolini, Antonio Raschi

Institute of Biometeorology, National Research Council, Firenze, Italy

Email: l.massetti@ibimet.cnr.it, f.ugolini@ibimet.cnr.it, a.raschi@ibimet.cnr.it

MILANO

ROMA

FIRENZE

VENEZIA

CASENTINO

VALSUGANA

WHERELocation: Valsugana Valley and Tesino Valley

South-Eastern part of the Alpine chain,

Altitude range: 400-860 m a.s.l. Climate: Alpine

Place: Scurelle Villagnedo Castel Tesino Total population: 4000

Partecipants: 6 classes, 87 pupils 7-10 y.o

Location: Casentino Valley

North-Eastern part of the Appenine chain,

Altitude range: 400-700 m a.s.l. Climate: Mediterranean -Continental

Place: San Piero in Frassino Total population: 876

Partecipants: 5 classes, 56 pupils 7-10 y.o

To build a partnership

among teachers and

scientists

To bring scientific

activities (hands-on,

experiments, data

analysis…) in class

To create an European

network of students

and teachers

Need that pupils know more about the

local vegetation and climate

Need of promotion of good and sane

alimentation and use of season

vegetables

PRECONDITIONS: STRENGTH POINTS:

6-10 years old pupils are curious,

observe, discover

Scientist is available for the scientific

guidance

Teachers help in organization and

communication

Understand the difference between meteorology

and climatology

Understand plant adaptation to the Alpine and

Appenine climate by morphology’s characteristics

and phenology

Understand the needed factors for plant growth

AIMS:

SCIENTIST

TEACHER

PUPIL

Pre-meeting to set up the activities and give them manuals, discuss and produce worksheets

Scientists meet the teachers

Lessons

Hands-on activities

Pupils are trained by the scientist

Scientists provide materials

Meteorological instruments: to collect min-max temperature and precipitation

Forms to observe and collect phenological stages of plant growth

Experiments

Outcomes

Meteorology

Report plant

growth and

suitable

vegetables

Phenology

and plant

observation

Frontal lesson

Hands-on activities

Experiments

APPRECIATION

Pupils present their results